How do you store your knives? Do you like to keep them out? Put them away in a drawer? One of the best things I did in the previous Kitchen Cure was to get my knives organized and properly stowed. Are you looking for a good solution for your knives? Read on for five ways you can store knives safely and happily.
KNIFE STORAGE
• 1 Magnetic wall rack - Magnetic knife strips are a popular way to keep your knives out on the wall and within easy reach. We really like this bamboo version! Magnetic Bamboo Knife/Storage Bar, $29.99 at Chef's Catalog.
• 2 Countertop knife block - Maybe the most common way to store knives, the knife block is pretty ubiquitous. If you have room for a countertop knife block, then this Kapoosh block is great; it will accomodate any size knife; no jamming knives into wrong-sized slots! Kapoosh Wood Grain Knife Block, $29.99 at Macy's.
• 3 Wall-mounted knife block - Want the convenience of having knives out in the open, but without them hanging on a magnetic strip? A wall-mounted block is a good solution. We've blogged about these restaurant-supply knife blocks in the past.
• 4 Under-cabinet knife block - Wusthof Under Cabinet Knife Block, $39.95 at Chef's Catalog.
• 5 Drawer tray - I use a drawer tray and it's been wonderful to keep the knives organized and put away safely. Here's one from Sur La Table that is expandable to fit your drawer more snugly. Expandable Knife Tray, $39.95 at Sur La Table.
Notice now what's been left OFF this list: Loose knives in a drawer! Having your knives knocking around loose in a gadgets or cutlery drawer is a fast way to take their edges off, and also to hurt yourself. If you need to get organized with your knives, do it this weekend! Make this your last little push for the Fall 2009 Kitchen Cure; you won't regret it.
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As someone who has an aversion to mounting anything to a wall, I've found that IKEA magnetic knife strip "mounts" nicely onto the side of my refrigerator. This would probably work with any other magnetic wall rack as well. =)
We have the Kapoosh knife block and love it. The inner portion can actually be taken out and put in your dishwasher. We bought ours at Bed Bath and Beyond with a 20% off coupon that they send out all the time. The only problem we've had with it is when we bout a new oh so lovely shun knife. We actually cut some of the rods in the block when we inserted the knife and took it out. This has never happened with our other knifes though so we just assume it's because our Shun knife is so amazing awesome.
I have a magnetic strip that is supposed to be for a toolbox, I bought it at Lowes, that is magnetized on both sides that I have stuck on my fridge (like joyosity) that I keep my knives on. It's great as a space saver and I am very happy with it.
For my very sharp chef's knife, I have a thin plastic sheath that allows me to store it safely, loose in a drawer.
Didn't we have a post about kitchen knife storage recently. I seem to remember a big difference in opinions whether the blades go up or down, whether blocks or drawers are okay, and how to properly wash them.
Question for joyosity and acushla- I'm looking for a magnetic strip for knives that will stick safely to my fridge. Will any magnetic strip do that? What should I look for?
Thanks!
I bought a great Wusthof wooden knife block at Home Goods a few years ago and I love it. It looks good with pretty much any decor, keeps the knives readily accessible, and I don't worry about safety. I love the look of the magnetic strips but I can totally see myself falling into a sharp knife by accident...
I had a off brand kapoosh knife block, but I stopped using it because it put cosmetic scratches on my nicer knives.
shlowzi - I'm not very familiar with all the different type of magnetic strips out there, but I'd guess ones that are made to hold heavy items (such as knives or tools) and have the magnetic strip showing on both sides (so that it will stick to the fridge) would be what you're looking for. =)
I have one of those drawer knife blocks - we like it but it does take up a drawer. We used to have a block that mounted under the cabinet and swivels - I think Chefs Catalog still has them - we liked it very well but had to leave it when we sold the house. The only trouble with magnetic strips on your refrigerator is the possibility of having it mark up your fridge finish.
Thanks joyosity!
I made this for mine: http://tipnut.com/bamboo-knife-holder/
I did not use a soda bottle but a cylindrical metal container I bought at a thrift store.
The project was incredibly easy and cheap.
@Iona,
Knives should be placed on magnetic strips with the handle up.
If you are reaching for a knife and knock one down, your hand will then be above the blade as it falls, preventing you from getting cut.
Also, when removing a knife, twist it so the cutting edge comes off the block first.
We have a rack that's like a drawer block with rests for the handles that's mounted inside a cupboard door. It's great, doesn't take up counter space, doesn't take up a drawer, and is easy to get to.
@joyosity what's your trick for getting it to stay put? we used to have it on the fridge but it wouldn't stay still and knives kept sliding off onto the floor... combined with our no shoes policy it makes for some pretty risky business.
I'm going to be a downer here... but, after my sister was held up in her own home by one of her own knives, the police were adamant that people should hide their knives in cabinets or at least drawers, not in plain sight.
Just a practical thought.
@kkr - Hmm, my strip doesn't move at all, but sometimes the knives don't stay put if there isn't enough metal to metal contact. It probably helps that I stuck the strip to the side of the fridge instead of the door. I imagine opening and closing the fridge door might cause the magnetic strip and knives to move around a bit....